Fig

Garden Help > Fruits & Nuts

UC Links

How to grow: UC Backyard Orchard, Fig

Pest management: Figs

Summary from Sonoma County: Figs, Figs, & More Figs

The Basics

When to plant: Early spring, while still dormant

Harvest window: Many will yield fruit during two windows: May–June, then again August–October, depending on variety. Here is a video on how to harvest figs.

Fertilization: If needed, a light application of nitrogen in early spring, while tree is still dormant, is recommended.

Annual care overview:

• Prune carefully in early years, to ensure strong support for these relatively vigorous trees. As the tree ages, avoid heavy winter pruning to ensure fruit production on previous year's wood.
• Remove suckers throughout the growing season.
• Monitor and control for gophers, which are especially fond of fig roots.

Some Recommended Varieties for Santa Clara County^*

Black Mission, Bourgesotte Noire, Grosse Monstrueuse, Jurupa, Osborn Prolific, Panachée, White Adriatic

^* Many other varieties may also do well here in Santa Clara County. This list is based on UC Master Gardener trials, taste tests, and feedback from local growers.